Sant Pau Operating Theatre

Sant Pau Operating Theatre

The Art Nouveau Site of Sant Pau, including the Sant Pau Operating Theatre, is an architectural jewel of Catalan Modernism. I arrive here on a cool November morning. I have walked from my Barcelona accommodation near Las Ramblas not really knowing what to expect.… Read the rest

Sant Pau Gardens

Sant Pau Gardens

The Art Nouveau Site of Sant Pau, including the Sant Pau Gardens, is an architectural jewel of Catalan Modernism. I arrive here on a cool November morning. I have walked from my Barcelona accommodation near Las Ramblas not really knowing what to expect.… Read the rest

Sant Pau Administration

Sant Pau Administration

The Art Nouveau Site of Sant Pau, including its iconic Administration Building, is an architectural jewel of Catalan Modernism. I arrive here on a cool November morning. I have walked from my Barcelona accommodation near Las Ramblas not really knowing what to expect.… Read the rest

Nymphenburg Palace: Marstallmuseum

Nymphenburg Palace: Marstallmuseum – Horse decoration and harnesses from the coronation procession of Emperor Karl VII

When wandering through the grandeur of Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace, the Marstallmuseum is a hidden gem that may fly under the radar of the typical tourist path.… Read the rest

Magdalenenklause

Magdalenenklause

Magdalenenklause

The Magdalenenklause (the Hermitage of St Mary Magdalene) at Nymphenburg Palace in Munich is one of the most intriguing and unique architectural features within the palace grounds. Built between 1725 and 1728 under the direction of Elector Max Emanuel, this hermitage-style retreat was designed as a place of solitude and spiritual reflection.… Read the rest

Pagodenburg

Pagodenburg

Wandering through the sprawling parklands of Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, I find myself discovering more than just grand architecture and manicured paths. Nestled beside a quiet pond, the Pagodenburg feels like a portal to another world. A pocket of calm, color and culture that brings a distinctly exotic flair to the Bavarian court’s backyard.… Read the rest

Badenburg

Badenburg

Tucked away in the lush palace park of Nymphenburg in Munich, the Badenburg Pavilion is one of those hidden gems that you might just stumble upon if you take the time to wander off the main path. At first glance, it looks like just another charming Baroque pavilion but step inside and you’re transported into a world of early 18th century luxury and leisure.… Read the rest

Nymphenburg Palace Park

Nymphenburg Palace Park

You know a place is special when you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale just by walking through its gates. That’s exactly how I feel as I enter the Nymphenburg Palace Park in Munich. While the palace itself is undeniably grand, dripping in Baroque opulence and royal history, the gardens and palace park steal the show with their quiet beauty, lush landscapes and hidden architectural gems.… Read the rest

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is set on the islet of Slotsholmen (literally castle islet) right in the middle of Copenhagen. As we walk over the ages old stone bridge this morning our passage is uniterrupted. I’m sure when the castle was inhabited by the Royal Family, this bridge would have been suitably guarded.… Read the rest

Peterhof

The magnificent fountains and facade of Peterhof

Our destination is Peterhof.  After a drive through the city, however, the metro is our first introduction to St.  Petersburg and even from the very beginning it is unlike any other metro station.  Narvskaya metro is bustling with commuters and we push our tokens into the machine to pass through the gates and are funneled onto a long escalator, perhaps the longest I have ever seen.… Read the rest